Savory Lima Bean and Tomato Bake
This hearty Savory Lima Bean and Tomato Bake is a classic recipe adapted from the 1953 loyalty cookbook. The dish features tender lima beans combined with a flavorful mix of vegetables, crispy bacon, and a rich tomato sauce, creating a comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or meal prep. You can easily substitute dried lima beans with frozen ones, making it a convenient option for a quick dinner. While the original recipe includes sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, it's optional depending on your taste preference. This casserole also freezes beautifully, allowing you to create a delicious make-ahead meal for busy days.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried lima beans
1 1/2 cups (rinsed)
water
5 cups (for cooking beans)
bacon
4 slices (cut into 1 inch squares)
celery
1/3 cup (chopped)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
bell pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
flour
2 tablespoons (for thickening)
canned tomatoes
1 1/2 cups (diced or crushed)
salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
sugar
2 tablespoons (optional)
Instructions
1
Rinse the dried lima beans and place them in a large pot with 5 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
2
In a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, layer the cooked lima beans evenly.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
4
Add the chopped celery, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned.
6
Gradually stir in the canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, adjusting with a little water if necessary.
7
Pour the mixture evenly over the lima beans in the casserole dish and stir to combine.
8
Top the casserole with the reserved crispy bacon pieces.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking for a slightly crispy top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Lima Bean and Tomato Bake?
It is a hearty, classic casserole dish that combines tender lima beans with vegetables, crispy bacon, and a savory tomato sauce.
Where does this recipe originate from?
This recipe is an adaptation from a 1953 loyalty cookbook, giving it a classic, vintage appeal.
Can I use frozen lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can easily substitute dried lima beans with frozen ones for a more convenient and quicker preparation.
How do I prepare the dried lima beans for this bake?
Rinse the dried beans, place them in 5 cups of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 1 hour until tender before draining.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
The flour is used as a thickening agent for the tomato and vegetable sauce.
Is the sugar in the recipe mandatory?
No, the sugar is optional and is used to balance the natural acidity of the canned tomatoes based on your taste preference.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should be baked in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a total of 1 hour.
Should I cover the casserole dish while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes, then remove it for the final 15 minutes to allow the top to crisp.
Can this recipe be frozen for later use?
Yes, this Savory Lima Bean and Tomato Bake freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 1 1/2 quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes chopped celery, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic.
How do I cook the bacon for this recipe?
Cook 4 slices of bacon cut into 1-inch squares in a skillet until crispy, then set the pieces aside and use the drippings for sautéing.
What type of canned tomatoes should I use?
You can use 1 1/2 cups of either diced or crushed canned tomatoes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the specific serving count isn't listed, the use of 1.5 cups of dried beans and a 1.5 quart dish typically serves 4 to 6 people.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Although the recipe contains bacon, it can be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil or butter to sauté the vegetables.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the celery, onion, bell pepper, and garlic for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender.
When do I add the bacon back into the dish?
The reserved crispy bacon pieces should be placed on top of the casserole just before putting it into the oven.
What should I do if the tomato sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, you can adjust the consistency by stirring in a little water.
How much water is needed to boil the dried beans?
You will need 5 cups of cold water for 1 1/2 cups of dried lima beans.
Does the recipe require rinsing the beans?
Yes, you should rinse the dried lima beans before boiling them.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The primary seasonings are salt and pepper, adjusted to taste.
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 minced clove of garlic.
What kind of pepper is used?
The recipe calls for a standard bell pepper, which can be green, red, or yellow.
How many slices of bacon are required?
The recipe uses 4 slices of bacon.
What is the primary protein in this dish?
The primary protein sources are the lima beans and the bacon slices.
How much celery is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of chopped celery.
What is the measurement for the onion?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its hearty ingredients and warm, baked preparation.